Young, bright and far from stereotypes. Carmen Serrano Jara and Marina Simón Ruiz have entered the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) through the front door with a perfect 14 out of 14 as their entry mark, big dreams for the future and a clear objective: to achieve their professional goals without giving up enjoying life.
'The keys are effort, perseverance, and not giving up because things are not always going to work out right the first time, but also, part of this process has been not giving up on social life,' explains Marina. 'If you focus only on your studies, being stuck in one place... I think you go a bit crazy.
Carmen, whom I've just met - she's in one of the morning groups, while Marina goes in the afternoon - shares the idea: 'I've just come from a French programme called Bachibac, which in itself forces you to give up hours, plus extracurricular activities, but I indeed tried to go out at least once a week to disconnect because I didn't want my studies to take over my whole life. In any case, without the support of my teachers, my friends, and, above all, my family, I wouldn't have been able to get this mark'.
This unbeatable mark has allowed them to choose any career and university. And both have opted for the same path: the Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering at the UPV. 'I was pretty sure about the university,' says Marina. 'I have always heard very good things about the UPV, and according to many rankings, it is one of the best universities in the world,' she adds.
As for the degree, 'the technology and aircraft sector has always interested me a lot. Besides, I know quite a few people who have studied or are already working there. They have told me very good things', explains Marina, who looks to the future with an open mind: "Both this and any other engineering degree offer many possibilities in the job market, so I don't know where I will end up, but I would love to work in something related to the aerodynamics sector, the mechanics of planes, cars, ships...".
On the other hand, Carmen has her professional aspirations in her blood: 'Why aerospace engineering? I think it's genetic. I come from a family of engineers and programmers... I have grown up in this environment, and the truth is that aerospace has always been the engineering that has most caught my attention’.
In this respect, a reference institution is the ISAE Supaero in Toulouse, where Carmen intends to continue her training: 'The UPV is twinned with it, and both facilities are incredible. I would like to continue my studies there, as they are focused on aerospace engineering. I do like the French language and I would like to travel, change scenery, and have new experiences. I want to be passionate about what I do'.
United by the UPV, Carmen and Marina chatted animatedly during the interview, exchanged contacts, and shared their aspirations. Who knows how their stories will progress... What is certain is that not only do they have extraordinary academic abilities, but also that their open minds invite us to dream of a future full of success. Professional... and vital.
Outstanding news